Pros and Cons of International Expansion

Companies need to consider a range of factors when deciding to enter a foreign market.‍

Growing companies may at some point face the prospect of global expansion, as demand increases for products or services in international markets, or to meet other business needs. This is a natural evolution and offers significant opportunities if approached in the right way at the right time.

While going global can make sense, the decision should factor in the overall cost-benefit analysis for a company as well as preparation for a new level of human resources support and administration for staff on assignment. As with any shift in business direction and scope, there are both pros and cons to consider when expanding internationally.

What Are the Factors Affecting International Expansion?

The reasons to expand globally are manifold and will vary depending on the business type and overall market strategies. Companies will be forced to consider a range of factors when deciding to enter a foreign market. These include:

Contingency plans in the event that the new foreign office needs to be closed.

When looking at these factors, a multinational entity will need to decide whether to use a DIY approach to enter the new market or to outsource essential functions to a third party. When the realities of expansion are looked at closely, many of the inherent challenges can be met more easily by using local partners to administer staff assignments, payroll, and immigration compliance.

From the Company Perspective: Pros of International Expansion

The first step in evaluating entering a foreign market is the impact at a corporate level, in terms of cost, effort, and opportunity. There are a few primary reasons for expanding internationally, depending on the country and region of the world.

Access to New Regional Markets for Products and Services

The most obvious reason to expand internationally is to access the global marketplace for the sale of goods and services. This is especially attractive to companies that may be located in less-developed economies and market regions, where growth is limited.

Regions such as the European Union, with its open-market approach to member states, may offer exponential opportunities for growth within the entire EU market.

Brand Recognition

Opening branches abroad can expand brand recognition to attract new customers and establish credibility in the marketplace. For example, entering a market such as the U.S. can mean a large boost in visibility, especially for companies from less-developed markets.

Cost-Effective Manufacturing or Production of Goods

It is a common practice for companies to outsource production to countries with less expensive labor and infrastructure costs. For a U.S. or European company, offshore production of goods in some Asian countries, for instance, can offer real cost savings and competitive pricing of products.

Customer Service Centers

Companies with an existing international clientele may want to set up regional customer service centers for technical and administrative support. Setting up a proprietary service center in a foreign region allows a company to overcome time zone differences and minimize delays in response.

Use of Free Trade Zones

Many countries offer free trade zones to encourage participation by foreign companies in transport, storage, or production facilities. As an example, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a free trade zone and business-friendly tax structure that can give convenient access to Middle Eastern markets, without the requirement of local majority ownership.

Cons of International Expansion

Even with the advantages of expansion, every company will face some challenges when entering foreign markets.

Tightening Immigration Rules

The task of setting up a branch and assigning staff can be daunting in the face of immigration rules for long-term workers. Expect stringent government review of both the company’s registration and applications for work permits for any assigned management or employees.

Cultural and Language Barriers

Most regional markets such as the EU or Southeast Asia still have cultural and language barriers among countries, as well as different and potentially unfamiliar rules for doing business.